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title: "Vilnius – Lithuania’s buoyant capital"
description: "Vilnius is still a well-guarded insider's travel destination tip, an authentic, distinctive spot on the map with a long history."
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timestamp: 2026-07-04T14:16:39+00:00
---

# Vilnius – Lithuania’s buoyant capital

> Vilnius, Lithuania's baroque Old Town capital, is an under-the-radar Eastern European gem with UNESCO-listed historic streets, a lively food scene, and a relaxed, congenial atmosphere that rewards curious travelers.

## Destination
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, in Eastern Europe.

## Getting there
Germania Flug AG operates two direct flights per week from Zurich to Vilnius, every Monday and Thursday, launched in June 2016 at low fares.

## When to go
July is recommended over June — less rain, university students are still in town for atmosphere, and the city comes alive with picnics along the river, outdoor events, and concerts.

## Why visit
Vilnius offers an authentic, unhurried character, Eastern Europe's largest baroque Old Town (a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site), excellent and affordable restaurants, vibrant bar culture, and easy access to nature including the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit, lake-filled northeastern highlands, and forested mushrooming country in the southeast.

## What to see
- **Vilnius Old Town** — Eastern Europe's largest baroque Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site with numerous churches in varied architectural styles, nicknamed the Rome of the East.
- **St. Anne's Church (Šv. Onos bažnyčia) and St. Bernard's Church (Bernardinų bažnyčia)** — Prominent historic churches within the Old Town.
- **Vilnius University Quarter** — Historic academic quarter in the heart of the Old Town.
- **Statue of Gediminas** — Monument to the legendary founder of Vilnius and Trakai, the most celebrated ruler of ancient Lithuania.
- **Europa Tower and Neris River skyline** — The tallest skyscraper in Vilnius, visible from the Horizontas rooftop bar across the Neris River.
- **Curonian Spit National Park** — UNESCO World Heritage site on the Baltic coast, about 3.5 hours by bus from Vilnius; gets crowded but less-visited Baltic shore spots also exist.

## What to do
- **Dining at DINE Restoranas** — One of Vilnius's most innovative restaurants, praised for creative dishes including Baltic sturgeon and root vegetable soup.
- **Traditional Lithuanian meal at Alinė Leičiai** — Brewery pub with medieval flair serving house-brewed beers paired with every course and classic Lithuanian dishes.
- **Dining at Lokys** — Folkloric pub on the same street as Alinė Leičiai, good for groups; try beaver as a main course and Trejos Devynerios bitter liqueur.
- **Bar-hopping at local alehouses** — Recommended spots include Šnekutis, Turgus, and Peronas behind the train station; beer with Kepta duona (garlic bread) is the local ritual.
- **Nightcap at Horizontas Bar, Hotel Crown Plaza** — Rooftop bar with an enchanting nighttime panorama over Vilnius.
- **Kayaking in the northeastern lake district** — A quieter alternative with many lakes and few tourists, suggested by local globetrotter Dainius Kinderis.
- **Mushroom picking in southeastern Lithuania** — Prime territory for chanterelles and porcinis, described as home to the happiest Lithuanians.

## Good to know
Taxis are very cheap (four people shared a 12-minute ride for 2 euros). Lithuanian potatoes (Soraya variety) and mushrooms are local specialties worth seeking out. The Radisson Skybar may offer views comparable to the Crown Plaza rooftop.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/National-museum-train-station-Zurich.jpg"
    caption: "Zurich train station and national museum (blue)"
    keywords: ["travelmemo.com"]
    captured: 2016-12-13
    geo: {latitude: 47.3771, longitude: 8.5431}
    credit: "Walter Schärer"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Paradeplatz-UBS-Credit-Suisse-Bahnhofstrasse-Lucy.jpg"
    caption: "Paradeplatz hosting UBS and Credit Suisse mainquarters"
    keywords: ["travelmemo.com"]
    credit: "Walter Schärer"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/shrimp-risotto-Storchen-Hotel-Zurich.jpg"
    caption: "Delectable shrimp risotto with lobster sauce and herb salad"
    captured: 2017-10-09
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Storchen-St-Peterskirche.jpg"
    caption: "Spire of St Peterskirche seemingly rising directly from the hotel roof"
    captured: 2017-10-09
```